Ahmed Musa Announces Retirement from International Football After 15 Years with Super Eagles
Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a Super Eagles career that spanned almost 15 years and left a deep imprint on Nigerian football. In a personal statement addressed to Nigerians and the Super Eagles family, Musa said the decision followed a long period of reflection. “After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles,” he wrote. Musa recalled his early days in national colours, describing how quickly the journey began. “I was just a young boy when the journey started,” he said, adding that he was invited at the same time to the Under 20, Under 23 and senior teams. “Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about.” He described Nigeria as his anchor despite a career that took him around the world. “Football took me to many places around the world, but Nigeria was always home,” Musa said. The former captain retires as Nigeria’s most capped player, with 111 appearances. He described the record as a responsibility rather than a personal prize. “Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it. I did my best to give everything I had, whether things were going well or not, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me.” Among the moments he said would never fade were the Super Eagles’ triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and his goals at the World Cup. “Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out,” he said. “Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me.” Musa also reflected on his time as captain, noting the lessons that came with leadership. “Wearing the armband taught me a lot, about responsibility, patience, and putting others first,” he wrote. “Even during difficult times and criticism, my commitment to Nigeria never changed.” As he steps away from international duty, Musa said he does so with calm and appreciation. “I step away from international football with peace and gratitude,” he said, before signing off with a line that has long followed his career: “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
| 2025-12-17 17:05:40